Google has launched a new tool, Google Vids, to simplify video creation. This AI-powered tool aims to help users produce professional videos with ease. Vids integrates into Google Workspace and is designed to streamline the entire video production process. With it, creating engaging and polished videos becomes faster and easier for users of all skill levels.
What is Google Vids?
Google Vids is an AI-based tool within Google Workspace. Unlike traditional text-to-video tools, Vids does not generate videos from scratch. Instead, it serves as a creative assistant. It helps users by assembling a customized storyboard, offering a guided approach to video creation.
How Does Google Vids Work?
Vids provides a unique AI-driven approach to help users create videos. Here’s a quick breakdown of how Vids supports the video-making process:
- Storyboarding Assistance: Vids help users plan and design their video’s structure with ready-made templates.
- Script and Stock Media Suggestions: The tool offers ideas for script lines and provides access to stock images and music.
- AI Voiceovers and Background Music: Users can enhance their videos with AI-generated voiceovers and soundtracks.
- Recording Studio Feature: Users can record their own audio or video directly within Vids for a personal touch.
How It Differs from Other AI Video Tools
Many AI video tools like Runway or Pika create videos from scratch. However, Google Vids takes a different approach. It doesn’t automatically generate content; instead, it helps users shape the video themselves. This guided process gives users more control over each video element.
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Key Features of Google Vids
Google Vids brings several unique features to the table, including:
- Help Me Create: Users can type a prompt, upload a Google Drive document, and choose a style. Vids then generate a storyboard filled with text, stock media, and music.
- Integration with Google Workspace Apps: Google Vids works well with Google Docs, Slides, and even video and audio files from Google Drive. This feature provides the AI with context, allowing it to create a smooth and cohesive video flow.
- Recording Studio: Users can record video or audio within Vids, adding a personal touch.
- Templates for Faster Setup: Vids offers templates, helping users skip initial setup and jump straight into storyboarding.
Who Can Access Google Vids?
It is available to select Google Workspace tiers. These include:
- Business Standard
- Enterprise Standard
- Enterprise Essentials
- Education Plus
Additionally, Google Vids is accessible to users with Gemini Business and Enterprise Premium add-ons.
How Vids Integrates Gemini’s Capabilities
Vids uses AI technology from Google’s Gemini platform. With Gemini, Vids can provide an AI-driven “first draft” video or presentation within minutes. Users can then customize this draft according to their needs. This feature helps speed up the video creation process, making it accessible to busy professionals.
Using the “Help Me Create” Feature
The “Help Me Create” feature is a standout tool in Vids. Here’s how it works:
- Type a Prompt: Users describe the video they want to create.
- Upload a Document: Users can upload a Google Drive document to provide additional context.
- Select a Style: Users choose from various styles to match their project’s tone.
Vids then generate an editable storyboard with stock images, background music, and even AI voiceovers.
Seamless Integration with Google Docs and Slides
One of Vids’ strongest features is its integration with Google Docs and Slides. For example, users can pull text from a Google Doc or visual elements from a Slide. Vids uses this information to build a seamless video flow, making the process easier and faster.
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Recording Studio for Personal Touches
The Recording Studio feature lets users add a personal touch to their videos. Users can record their own audio or video directly within the app. This option is helpful for adding personalized messages or unique voiceovers.
Why Google Vids Emphasizes Storyboarding Over Automatic Generation
Google Vids is unique because it focuses on storyboarding rather than automatic video creation. This means users maintain creative control, deciding on each element of their video. While other AI tools might generate entire videos without much user input, Vids offers flexibility. It provides suggestions and edits but allows users to shape their final product.
Advantages of Using Google Vids
Google Vids provides numerous benefits to users, including:
- Streamlined Workflow: Vids reduces the time spent on repetitive tasks, such as selecting music or images.
- Guided Storyboarding: With Vids’ guidance, users can develop their ideas with structure.
- Enhanced Creativity: Vids provides suggestions, helping users explore creative options.
- Easy Integration: Users can quickly pull resources from other Google Workspace tools, creating a seamless process.
- AI-Assisted Editing: Vids’ AI features simplify editing, saving users time while maintaining quality.
Google has announced that Vids will be free for Google Workspace users until December 2025. However, Google may introduce a usage limit starting in 2026.
Potential Impact of Google Vids on Video Creation
Vids have the potential to transform video creation for businesses and educational institutions. Small businesses, for example, can use Vids to create promotional videos quickly. Educators can make engaging learning content for their students.
How Google Vids Can Benefit Different Sectors
- Businesses: It enables businesses to create marketing videos and presentations efficiently.
- Education: Teachers can create interactive learning materials, making classes more engaging.
- Nonprofits: Nonprofits can create impactful storytelling videos to share their mission and achievements.
- Individuals: For personal use, Google Vids is great for making professional-looking videos, from event recaps to storytelling.
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How to Get Started with Google Vids
For those interested, Google Vids is accessible through Google Workspace. Here are the steps to get started:
- Sign into Your Google Workspace Account: Make sure you have a Workspace plan that supports Vids.
- Navigate to Google Vids: Open Vids from your Workspace dashboard.
- Use the Help Me Create Feature: Start by typing a prompt and uploading any needed documents.
- Choose Your Style: Pick a design style to match your video’s tone.
- Customize Your Storyboard: Add or edit text, images, music, and voiceovers as needed.
Conclusion
It is a valuable tool for creating videos in Google Workspace. With its AI-powered features and user-friendly interface, it empowers users to produce high-quality videos without the need for extensive video production skills. Vids is ideal for anyone who needs a quick, effective way to communicate their message through video.
Google’s focus on storyboarding over automatic generation allows for creative freedom, making Vids a flexible tool. It provides users with the support they need to shape their vision and bring it to life easily. For businesses, educators, and anyone looking to create engaging content, it opens up new possibilities in video production.